Along with completing a sweep of the Atlanta Braves, the Los Angeles Dodgers moved back into first place in the National League West as the San Francisco Giants were defeated by the Milwaukee Brewers.
However, the Giants pulled even by defeating the Brewers on Thursday. So the two rivals head into their weekend series at Oracle Park with first place in the NL West still up for grabs. For L.A., it’s their first time with a share of the division lead since April 28.
“We know it’s going to be a big series. We’re all looking forward to it,” Max Scherzer said of the Dodgers’ clash with the Giants.
“Obviously they’re a great team and you want to go out there and play your best against them. These are the moments that you live for, is to have these types of opportunities to go out there and compete against the best. It should make for a great series.”
The Dodgers and Giants have been equally matched all season, with each team winning eight times in their 16 head-to-head meetings thus far. However this weekend plays out may ultimately decide who wins the division.
Although the Dodgers and Giants aren’t scheduled to play any more past Sunday, it wouldn’t be surprising if the teams meet again in the postseason.
The NL West champion will face the winner of the Wild Card Game, which as of now appears primed to be hosted by either the Dodgers or Giants. Assuming that team advances, it would set the stage for the first ever postseason matchup between the longtime rivals.
Wild Card teams to reach World Series
No matter who wins the NL West, one of the Dodgers or Giants more than likely will have to begin their playoff journey as a Wild Card team.
Since the introduction of the Wild Card in 1995, there have been 13 non-division winners to advance to the World Series, with seven of those going all the way to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy.
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